Tried-and-True Tips for Moving Furniture

Guest Post

Moving furniture from one apartment to another isn’t always an easy task. Stairs and tight corners result in scuffed up and scratched pieces that are difficult, if not impossible, to repair. Fortunately, there are some tried-and-true tips for moving furniture that will protect your investment and make moving a much more pleasant experience.

1. Take Stock of What Needs Moved

The first thing you should do is take careful inventory of what needs to be moved. Since we’re talking about furniture, take the time to note any particularly large pieces as well as items that are fragile, such as a glass-top table or antique items with skinny legs.
If you aren’t sure of the best way to move a particular piece, go to the internet for suggestions or ask a professional mover to move just those most delicate pieces. Be sure to check reviews, though, as not all movers are careful with what doesn’t belong to them. An inventory list also ensures everything makes it to the new place.

2. Disassemble Furniture

Your next step should be to disassemble large pieces of furniture for easier moving. This includes a bed and frame, tables where the legs can be removed or glass tops that need to be wrapped carefully to avoid breaking.
Although some movers will complete this task for you, most charge by the hour. An average cost to move a household to another state is about $2,300, but costs vary based on how far you’re moving and how much stuff you own. Disassembling furniture on your own reduces the time you have to pay movers.

3. Buy the Right Supplies

If you want to protect your furniture during the move, you have to buy the right supplies. Some packing supplies you’ll want on hand include bubble wrap, sofa and mattress covers, plastic wrap on a roll and corrugated cardboard sheets. You’ve already done an inventory, so you should have a good idea of the things you need.
Before you wrap anything, make sure you clean all your furniture thoroughly. Dust away all debris to prevent any unwanted scratches, and then wrap everything up to protect it from bumps along the way.

4. Enlist the Help of Those You Trust

Let’s face it: People who don’t know you don’t really have a vested interest in making sure your stuff stays nice. If you have pieces that are particularly precious to you, plan to move those yourself or enlist the help of someone you trust.
While most big items are better left to the professional movers, that small side table that belonged to your great-grandmother should be handled with extreme care. Carefully wrap and move it yourself.

5. Unwrap Carefully

Have a plan for furniture placement in your new home. This allows movers to put it close to where you want it and saves time, as you’ll be able to easily direct them based on how you’ve mapped the living space out. This will prevent a situation where you have to move heavy furniture by yourself after the movers leave.
You also need to make sure that you prepare your new place for furniture arrival. While you’ve already disassembled what you could, be sure to measure the diagonal depth and width of your furniture to ensure you can move it through the entryways. Make the process easier on yourself and anyone helping you by clearing space and removing doors ahead of time.
Once your furniture arrives at your new apartment, carefully unwrap it and check it for damage. If you’ve wrapped it carefully, then damage should be minimal. If there is any major damage, notify the moving company immediately, since their insurance may cover any repairs or replacements.

A Happy Move

Take the time to plan ahead for your move, and you’ll be happy at the other end of it. Instead of replacing damaged items or living with something broken, your furniture will be in one piece. A little preplanning results in peace of mind and furniture that lasts from one move to the next.